For institutions struggling with challenging employee, faculty, student, or family matters, or facing serious governmental inquiries—where prompt, deft, and capable assistance of counsel is a must—Ward Greenberg has the depth of experience to quickly comprehend and address the problems while restoring equilibrium, calming administration’s concerns, furthering institutional objectives, and minimizing the negative fallout that can occur in these difficult circumstances. Ward Greenberg balances pragmatic action with composure, confidence, and a focus on collaboration and efficiency, with the aim of delivering real value, every time, to the institutions we work with. That is why Ward Greenberg is the firm of choice for numerous colleges, universities, academic medical centers, and professional schools located throughout New York State, and beyond.

Ward Greenberg lawyers present frequently to higher education audiences at the National Association of College and University Attorneys, the Council of Independent Colleges, at client institutions, and at regional higher education groups. For more than 20 years, Ward Greenberg lawyers have been designated by United Educators as preferred counsel, and one of our partners was designated by United Educators as the inaugural recipient of its Distinguished Counsel award.

Representative Experience

Secured order dismissing all claims, including ethnic discrimination and breach of contract claims brought by unsuccessful tenure applicant against University and Dean of the College. Matter of Vengalattore v. Cornell Univ., 161 AD3d 1350 (3d Dept).

Represented employer at the New York Court of Appeals and Second Circuit Court of Appeals, in case of first impression, considering availability of Faragher-Ellerth affirmative defense to claims brought under New York City Administrative Code. Zakrzewska v. The New School, 14 NY3d 469 (NY Ct App); Zakrzewska v. The New School, 620 F3d 168 (2d Cir.).

Defend educational institutions in connection with federal Office for Civil Rights investigations, including alleged discrimination against disabled students in provision of campus transportation; discrimination against hearing-impaired student denied real-time transcripts and other academic accommodations; allegedly wrongful dismissal of a student purportedly suffering from a serious emotional disorder; and a wide array of claims related to the alleged mishandling of investigations and/or disciplinary determinations arising from claims of sexual assault and sexual violence under Title IX.